NBA trade rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers to finally ditch Kevin Love via trade?

LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers are aiming for a championship repeat next year after nabbing this year's National Basketball Association title from the 2016–15 champion and rival, the Golden State Warriors. Key to achieving this goal is a major revamp of the Cavs' roster which could potentially mean moving Kevin Love out from the lineup.

The 27-year-old power forward has been repeatedly blasted for a string of inconsistencies that nearly crippled Cleveland's title run with most of the burden falling on James and Kyrie Irving last season.

Moreover, a string of previous injuries downgraded the quality of his offensive and defensive gameplay on the hardcourt. James was supposedly trying to revive a Miami-like Big Three Era in Cleveland with a power trio that included James, Irving, and Love. However, Love's dismal performance in the past two seasons makes him an unlikely fit for James' championship requirements.

To boost Cleveland's firepower, the front office is reportedly eyeing to get Philadelphia 76ers power forward Nerlens Noel in their roster in exchange for Love, Carl Landry, and Iman Shumpert, Chat Sports reported.

Should a trade deal come to fruition, the Cavs could use Noel's on-court defensive skills and his ability to protect the rim. He could also be pretty useful as he does well on putbacks and lobs. The 22-year-old athlete has posted a record average of 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in the 2016–15 season.

Love, on the other hand, could lend Philadelphia a much-needed help on scoring especially with his ability to shoot three-pointers and give Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid enough space to move around and maneuver, the Inquistr reported.

Meanwhile, a number of basketball pundits expect a continuing Warriors-Cavaliers rivalry throughout the upcoming 2016–17 season. Cleveland is bound to face a much stronger Golden State roster following Kevin Durant's recent addition to the Warriors' lineup. With two Most Valuable Players in their arsenal, getting a back-to-back championship won't be an easy journey for the Cavs.